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These 3 Foods Aren’t Safe To Eat After They Expire, According to a Food Safety Expert
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- "Sell by" and "best if used by" dates mainly indicate inventory management and quality, but food safety depends more on storage time and temperature.
- Deli meat can harbor Listeria even when refrigerated; unopened packages last up to two weeks, but opened or sliced deli meat should be consumed within three to five days, with higher-risk individuals advised to heat it to 165°F.
- Ground beef spoils quickly due to bacteria spread during grinding; it should be cooked or frozen within one to two days and cooked to 160°F, discarding any with slimy texture or sour smell regardless of appearance.
- Pre-cut melon loses its protective rind and can harbor bacteria; it should be kept refrigerated below 40°F and consumed within a week, with immediate disposal if mold, sliminess, or off smells are present or if left out over two hours.
